Geographic tongue is a harmless condition affecting the surface of your tongue. The tongue is normally covered with tiny, pinkish-white bumps (papillae), which are actually short, fine, hair-like projections. With geographic tongue, patches on the surface of the tongue are missing papillae and appear as smooth, red "islands," often with slightly raised borders.

These patches (lesions) give the tongue a map-like, or geographic, appearance. The lesions often heal in one area and then move (migrate) to a different part of your tongue. Geographic tongue is also known as benign migratory glossitis.

Smooth, red, irregularly shaped patches (lesions) on the top or side of your tongue

Frequent changes in the location, size and shape of lesions

Discomfort, pain or burning sensation in some cases, most often related to eating hot, spicy, salty or acidic foods

Many people with geographic tongue have no symptoms.

Geographic tongue can persist for months or years. The problem often resolves on its own but may appear again at a later time.

When to see a doctor

Geographic tongue is a minor — although sometimes uncomfortable — condition. However, lesions on the tongue may indicate other more serious conditions of the tongue or diseases affecting the body in general. If you have lesions on the tongue that don't resolve within seven to 10 days, see your doctor or dentist.

The cause of geographic tongue is unknown, and there's no way to prevent the condition. There may be a link between geographic tongue and psoriasis — a chronic skin condition — but more research is needed to better understand the connection.

Studies of factors that may be associated with an increased risk of geographic tongue have produced mixed results.

Factors that are likely associated with an increased risk include:

Family history. Some people with geographic tongue have a family history of the disorder, so inherited genetic factors may increase risk.

Fissured tongue. People with geographic tongue often have another disorder called fissured tongue, the appearance of deep fissures, or grooves, on the surface of the tongue.

Geographic tongue is a benign condition. It doesn't pose a threat to your health, cause long-term complications or increase your risk of major health problems.

However, anxiety about the condition is fairly common because:

The appearance of the tongue may be embarrassing, depending on how visible the lesions are

It may be difficult to be reassured that there is, in fact, nothing seriously wrong

If you're concerned about the appearance of your tongue, make an appointment with your dentist.

Prepare questions ahead of time to make the most of your appointment. Basic questions to ask include:

What's the likely cause of my condition?

Could there be any other possible causes?

Is my condition permanent?

What treatments are available?

Is there anything I can do at home to relieve discomfort?

What should I do if my condition flares up again?

Questions your dentist may ask

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

When did the lesions first appear?

Have the lesions changed in appearance or location on your tongue?

Have you had any other lesions in your mouth?

Have you experienced any discomfort or pain?

Does anything, such as spicy or acidic food, seem to trigger pain?

Have you had any other symptoms that may seem unrelated to the condition of your tongue?

Have you had a fever?

Your dentist can usually make a diagnosis of geographic tongue based on an examination of your tongue and your signs and symptoms.

During the exam, your dentist may:

Use a lighted instrument to examine your tongue and mouth

Ask you to move your tongue around in various positions

Gently touch (palpate) your tongue to check for tenderness or unusual changes in the tongue's texture or consistency

Check for signs of infection, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Your doctor may recommend medications to manage discomfort or sensitivity:

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Mouth rinses with an anesthetic

Antihistamine mouth rinses

Corticosteroid ointments or rinses

Because these treatments haven't been studied rigorously, their benefit is uncertain. Since the condition resolves on its own and has an unpredictable course, you may not be able to tell if the symptomatic treatments are actually working.

You may reduce discomfort associated with geographic tongue by avoiding or limiting substances that commonly aggravate sensitive oral tissues, including:

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